My Daughter's Pet Requires Surgery

Meet Merlin, our pet rat and my daughter's sidekick. His sweetness and gentleness have helped my daughter through many rough days and nights as her companion. Whenever she's injured, Merlin will inspect that injury like a doctor. When she's lonely, Merlin will snuggle with her.

My daughter knows how to make Merlin happy, too. She knows that Merlin loves to be tickled, snuggled, and that he is a sucker for warm blankets.

So you can imagine the grief we experienced when we learned that Merlin required surgery to remove a growth. Although I'm working, I also have medical issues, and the money is stretched. The timing is horrible, but we have to save Merlin.

Merlin has had nothing but the best, including a wonderful cage for a home, freedom to run around outside the cage, and plenty of food, including fresh fruit and vegetables. His favorite treat is dried green beans.

My daughter says, "Merlin is a kind sweet loving boy, he loves snuggles and hiding in blankets, he's always there to make me smile and laugh. Seeing him in this state makes me very sad for him i want to give him a strong healthy chance at life."

The surgery will cost between $500 and $900, according to the animal hospital. I've worked out a payment plan, and a friend is loaning the money for a down payment, which is half the $900. I would like to raise at least that much and more so Merlin will have sufficient care after his procedure.

My name is Kelli, and my daughter is Zoe. Here are some photos of Merlin and the last photo shows his diagnosis and scheduled surgery. Please feel free to ask any questions.